Switch



May 29, 192s. l 1,671,294 KELLNl-:R

SWITCH Filed April 27, 1,925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 29, 192s. 1,671,294

` L. KELLNER SWITCH Filed April 27, 1925 3 Sheet's-Sheet 2 f [Oazzgr May 29, 1928. 1,671,294 L. KELLNER SWITCH Filed April 27, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 29, 1928.

U N l' E l) ST A T ES PATENT orrrca.

LOUIS KELLNER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,A ASSIGNOR VTl CHICAGO FUSE MFG. COMPANY,

OF'CHICAGO; ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS. i

SWITCH.

Application filed April 27, 1925.

The invention relatesto improvements-in switches, particularly snap switches adapted to be used-in electric 'lighting circuits.

The primary object of the invention: is to provide a novel snap switch for electric circuits which is compact and small in size thereby being adapted to be mounted in shallow outlet boxes, butwhich is also elflcient and certain in operation.

A more specific object is to provide a new and improved switch forele'ctric circuits in which the movable Contact element is given a rectilinear movement instead of the usual curvilinear movement, thcrebyvresulting in Y a short-er actual travel without a reduction in the break distance, and resulting in a reduction of the space required, in height and in depth.

Still'other objects are to provide switches of the above character which can be installed with standardl parts, such as standard cover plates and fastening bracketsfor the outlet boxes, which are adapted to be actuated either by push but-tonsA or by toggle buttons and can be changed from one to the other by a more substitution of buttons, and which can be made into either, single pole switches, double pole switches or three-wayswitches without a substantial change in the operating mechanism.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Inv the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a vertical sectional view of an outlet box secured in a vertical wall, and having a switch embodying thefeatures of my invention mounted therein.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the switch taken along line 2-'2 of` Fig. 3.

Fig; 3 is a front view of the switch.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 4 of Fig. 3. y

Fig. k5 is a fragmentary sectionalview of the switch operating mechanism taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3, themechanism, being shown in one position of rest.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the mechanism about-tol snap into the position shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of' the contact terminals for a double pole switch.

Fig. 8 is a similar viewof the contact terminals'v for a three-way switch.

Figl- 9 a front viewof a modifiedform Seriall No.- 26,007.

of the switch in which a toggle actuator is substituted for the push button actuator.

Fig. 10 is a side view partially in .section thereof.

Fig. llis a front view of` a single pole switch adaptedvto be actuated by push buttons.

Fig. 12 is a perspective viewof the main parts of the operatingmechanism in disassembled relation.

While the invention is susceptible of various modiiications and alternative constructions I have herein shown the preferred embodiments thereof, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the spcciticforms disclosed but aim-in the appended claims to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope` of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, 13 represents a shallow outletbox adapted for use in thin walls. and in the present instance secured to a wall `14 by end brackets 15 (see Fig. l). A conduit 16 for lead wires (not shown) extends through a hole 17 in the upper end wall of the box 13, and is rigidlysecured thereto by an outer lock nut 18 and an inner threaded bushing 19. A switch 20 embodying'the features of my invention is mounted inthe box 13 .by means of a yolre 21 which is secured at its opposite ends to lugs 22 struck out from the upper and lower edges of the box. The front of the box is closed by a suitable cover or faceplate 23 which fits against the wall 14, and whichis secured by screws 24 to the yoke 21. By mounting the conduit 16 in the upper Wall instead of the rear wall of the box 13, the

required depth of the box is decreased by the lateral space which would have been taken up by the bushing 19, but the available vertical space is correspondingly vreduced. By making the switch 20 compact and Yconsequently small in size, the box 13 can be of standard height, thereby permitting thevbraclretsl and the cover plate 23 to be standard in construction.

The switch comprises a hollow base 25 of any suitable insulating material such as porcelain,andopen at one side, which is closed by afbre cover 26 and Awhich is secured to the yoke 21 by Vscrews 27; f y

plurality of contact terminal are lll() pole switch, a double pole switch or a threeway switch.

In. the double pole switch, two sets of terminals (see Fig. 7 are provided which are similar in shape and arrangement but opposite or reversed in form. The single pole switch (see Fig. 11) comprises but one of these sets of terminals. Each set of terminals consists of an arm 30 extending from one of the lower plates 28 into the base 25 and along the rear wall to the upper end thereof, and having its end bent back on itseli:l to form a contact blade 31, and of a contact blade 32 extending directly from the corresponding plate 28 at the upper end of the base into lateral alinement with the first blade. The two sets ot terminals in the double pole switch thus are located at opposite sides and in the upper end of the base 25.

The three-way switch (see Figs. 3, 4 and 8) also comprises two sets of terminals, one set ot which is identical with either set in the double pole switch. The other set of terminals consists of a vertical arm 33 on one of the lower plates 28, andthe end of which constitutes a contact blade, and an arm 34 connected to the corresponding upper plate 28 by a bar 35 projecting into the base 25, said last mentioned arm extending downwardly7 along the rear wall of the base. The end oit the arm 34 is bent to form a blade 36 directly back of and in line with the end ot the arm'33. Thus, in the threeway switch the two sets of terminals are located. respectively at the upper end and substantially midway ot the ends ot the base 25, and at opposite sides thereof. The upper plates 28 in the three-way switch are electrically connected by a connecting plate 37 Opposite sides of the end of each terminal blade iii each switch are chanifered.

Mounted in the base 25 is a switch operating mechanism (see particularly Figs. 5, 6 and l2) which comprises a frame 38 rigidly secured to the rear wall of the base by screws 39, and a clip carrier 40-in the form of a slide reciprocable in said frame. The upper and lower edges oi' the slide are formed with notches 4l adapted to fit around the screws 39 as the slide is moved from one extreme position into the other. A. pair otlugs 42 struck up from the back of the trame 38 extend through two longitudinal slots 43 in the carrier slide 40, and are provided at their liree ends with hooks 44 engaging the outer edges of said slots. The lower ends of the slots 43 are formed with lateral extensions 45 adapted toV pass over the hooks 44 thereby permitting the slide40 to be removed from the frame when desired. A pair of lugs 46 are struck in., one 'from cach. side ot the upper end of the trame 38, and engage opposite sides of the slide 40. The lugs 42 and 46 serve to hold the slide 40 in operative relation against the traine 38. y The upper end ot the slide 46 is provided with two lateral and oppositely extending arms 47 the outer ends ot which are pro.- vidcd with shoulders 48. Fitting against the shoulder on each arm 47 is a metal washer 49. An insulating sleeve 50 is positioned on the arm next to the washer 49 and a pair of insiiilating washers 52 are positioned on the sleeve. Two conducting strips, preterably copper and bent apart at their ends to constitute apair of spring contact clips 51 are mounted Lon the sleeve 50 between the washers 52. A metal washer 53 is positioned on the arm 47 next to the outer washer 52 and the extreme end of the arm is riveted to hold the parts rigidly in assembled relation.

The clips 5l on each arm are adapted to engage one set of terminals. ln the single pole switch, only two clips 5l on one armare therefore required and provided. ln the double pole switch, the clips serve to open or close both sets of contact terminals simultaneously, while in the three-way switch thek and 59 extending -forwardly from opposite W sides of the frame 38. Wound around the spindlev57 between the ears 55 and 56 is a heavy coil spring 60, the opposite ends of which extend inwardly past opposite edges of the rocker member 54 into engagement with oppositesides of a lug 61 struck up from the center of the slide 40, and tend to move said slide in opposite directions.

The rocker member 54 is provided at opposite sides `with a pair of Jforwardly in clined arms 62 each of which has a longitudinal slot 63, and which are adapted to be oscillated by either a pair ol push buttons 64 (see Figs. 1 to 6 and 1l) or a toggle-button. 65 (see Figs. `9 and l0). The buttons 64 and 65 are made of insulating material, such as formed hard rubber, andeittend through suitable openings 66 .and 67 in the yoke 2l and the cover plate 23 respectively.

Each push button 64 preferably is pronl vided with .a `plate 68l imbedded therein, land having a sliding and rotative connection with 'one of the roclrerfarms 62. To this end, the plate 68 is formed with a slot 69open at Ione end and iitting over the end ot' the rocker arm, the slot 63 in the latter providing clearance ttor the edges ofthe slot 69 as the button 64 is reciprocated. V'Vhere a toggle button 65 is used, the arms 62 of the 'rocker member' 54 are preferably molded in the matrix ot the spaced arms on the button thereby forming a rigid connection.

To hold the slide 40 in one position or the other unt-il actuated or snapped by the proper'buttom one edge thereoi1 is formed with a pair of spaced notches 7() and 7l adapted to be engaged by a lug 72 on a locking member 73. The locking member is slidably disposed in a slot 74 in the standard 59, and is normally pressed by a spring 75 to move the lug 72 into one of the notches 70 and 71. The spring stance comprises a-y wire, the liXed end ot which is anchored in the trame 38 and engages a lug 76 struck out from saidftrame, and the free end of which fits into a notch 77 in the outerfedge of the locking member 7 3 and tends-to move the latter outwardly.

A cam bloclr 78 is secured to the inner edge oithe locking member A73, and rhas a pair of lateral extensions 79 rwhich vare adapted to be alternately engaged vby a pair of trip arms 80 formed on opposite sides of the adjacent ear 56 to permit the springv '60 to shift the slide 40. The arms 80 are also adapted to engage a pair ot lugs 81 struckin from the sides of the outer end of the adjacent end standard 59 to limit the rotation of the rocker member 54 on the spindle 57. f v

The operation briefly stated is as follows: When the slide 40 is in the position of rest shown in Fig. 4 both sets of terminals are bridged by the clips 5l on the arms 47, and the slide is locked against movement by the lug 72 engaging in the notch 7l. To snap the switch the outermost push button 64 is pressed inwardly (or the toggle button 65 is actuated), thereby oscillating the rocker member 54. Since the slide 40 is held against movement by the locking member 7 3,

the rocker member 54 will separate the ends of the spring 60 as shown in Fig. 6, thereby storing potential energy into said spring to subsequently snap the switch. i When the rocker member has been oscillated through a certain distance, one of the trip arms 8() will engage one ot the lugs 79 on the locking member 73, and thereby move the latter rearwardly against the force of the spring 75 to disengage the slide 40. The end of the spring 6() in engagement with the lug 6l will thereupon snap the slide 40 with considerable force into the position shown in Fig. 5. Upon releasing the push button 64, the rock- 7 5 in the presentin-A er` member -54is re-positioned to permit the vlocking member 7 3 to move into its normal position,"so that as the slide 40 is moved into the position shown .in Fig. 5', the lug 72 will engage the notch .7 O to hold the slide in open position until actuated again. nthe single and double pole switches, all the terminals will be open, while in the three-way switch, the blades 3l and 32 will be open and thel blades 33. and 36 will be bridged.

It will be evident that I have provided an ladvantageous switch adapted for electric 'circuitswhich is simple in construction and operation, and which by virtue ot such construction and particularly the rectilinear movement of the movable contact means is compact and small in height and depth, `t-hereby adapting it tok shallow outlet boxes ot standard height usually mounted in thin walls. ylVl'iile the size is reduced by reason oit' 'the rectilinear movement ofthe movable contact means no .shortening of the break distance results. The switch can be adapted to be used as either a singler pole switch, a double pole switch or a. three-way switch merely by rearranging the iixed contact in the base 25, and without any change in the construction of the operating mechanism eX- cept the elimination of one oi' the arms 47 in the single pole switch. The switch can also be adapted to be operated by push button actuators or by a toggle actuator without any changes in theconstruction in addition tothe mere substitution oit the actuator.

l claim as my invention: y

l. A switch having, in combination, a base having aset` of contact terminals fixed therein, a framemounted in said-base, a carrier reciprocably mounted in said frame and having clip means adapted to enga-ge said terminals in oner position oi' said' slide, a rocker member pivotally mounted in said trame, a coil spring adapted to be actuated y by said rocker member to reciprocate said carrier, a locking member slidably mounted on said trame and adapted to lock said carrier in each position until said rocker member has been oscillated through a predetermined eXtent, and means for oscillating said rocker member.

2. A switch having, in combination, a. base having a set of contact terminals fixed therein, a frame mounted in said base, a carrier slide reciprocablv mounted in said -trame, means on said slide for engaging or disengaging said Contact terminals when moved into different positions, means slidably mounted on said frame for engaging said slide to hold said slide in said positions, pivotal means mounted in said frame for releasing the last mentioned means, and spring means controlled by said pivotal means for shitting said carrier slide from one position to another.

3. A switch having, in combination, a

base having a setof terminals therein, a frame mounted in said base, a carrier slide reciprocably mounted in said frame and having two positions of rest, said slide having two spaced notches in one side edge, contact means carried by said slide, said contact means being adapted to engage said terminals in one position of said slide and to be remote therefrom in the other position of said slide, said slide having a lug, a coil spring mounted in said frame, the opposite ends of which are adapted to engage opposite sides oi said lug, means having a. lug adapted to selectively engage said notches to hold said slidein either` yposition of rest, and means for separating the ends of said spring to storeenergy therein for shifting said slide, and for releasing said last mentioned means to permit said spring to shift said slide.

4. The combination in a switch, of two relatively movable parts, a locking member slidably mounted in one of said parts and adapted to engage the other of said parts to lock said parts against relativemovement, spring means tending to move said locking member into locking engagement, spring means mounted on one of said parts and engaging the other of said parts, means for storing energy in said last mentioned spring means, the latter when under stress tending to move said parts relatively to each other, and means for tripping said locking means to permit said last mentioned spriiig means to effect said relative movement.

5. A switch having, in combination, a base having a. plurality of fixed contact terminals, a frame secured to the inner wall of said base and having lateral forwardly projecting standards, the back of said frame being formed with a pair of hooks and with a pair of inclined lugs in opposite sides, a slide formed with a pair of longitudinal slots having lateral extensions at one end adapted to pass over said hooks, said slide being slidably disposed ony said frame between said lugs with said slots engaging said hooks, contacts carried by said slide for movement into and outl of engagement with said terminals, and means for actuating said slide.`

said spring means, and arms on said last mentioned means for engaging said cam block to release said slide for movement by said spring means.

7 A switch having, in combination, a frame having a slot therein, a movable member disposed in said frame for movement in a line perpendicular to said slot, said member having a pair of spaced notches in one edge, a locking member slidably mounted in said slot and having a lug adapted to selectively engage said notches to hold said movable member in either of two positions, and means for actuating said movable member, said last mentioned means having means for actuating said locking member to release said movable member. n

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature. i

, LOUIS KELLNER. 

